This blog contains assorted news and commentary on the fundraising profession and philanthropy gathered by the AFP Fundraising Resource Center.
Other Sites of Interest Section Disclaimer:
AFP provides the following listing of hyperlinks to other Internet pages as a privilege to the user. AFP does not necessarily endorse, support or attest to the accuracy of information posted on those Internet pages. Some links may require registration to view and/or may only be available for a limited time.

Friday, February 18, 2005

MANILA: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it would set up a US$600 million fund to deliver prompt emergency funding to Asian countries hit by the Indian Ocean tsunamis in December.

The Asian Tsunami Fund will deliver grants for emergency technical assistance and investment projects to support reconstruction and rehabilitation in India, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand, the ADB said.

MANILA: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it would set up a US$600 million fund to deliver prompt emergency funding to Asian countries hit by the Indian Ocean tsunamis in December.

The Asian Tsunami Fund will deliver grants for emergency technical assistance and investment projects to support reconstruction and rehabilitation in India, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand, the ADB said.

It will also accept and distribute contributions from bilateral, multilateral, and individual sources, including companies and foundations, the Philippines-based bank said in a statement.

The giant waves, triggered by a magnitude-9.0 quake from the Indian Ocean, killed nearly 300,000 people on December 26.

'We see this as a mechanism to attract funds from multiple donors for a structured, systematic and transparent flow of funds to tsunami affected countries, while upholding the strongest standards of governance,' said Philip Erquiaga, principal director of ADB's co-financing operations office.

Funding could be granted for public services such as water supply and sanitation, electricity and communications; infrastructure such as roads, railways and ports; health and education services; agriculture and fisheries; housing; restoring livelihoods; and containment of environmental damage.

The ADB said it would work with governments to deliver the aid packages and base its contributions on needs assessments that it has has been carrying out with the World Bank, UN and other agencies.

The fund takes ADB's total financial commitment on tsunami assistance to 775 million dollars, including 175 milli"

Thursday, February 17, 2005

University Park, Pa. -- What began as a class project has become a reality that will allow thousands who are unable to attend the 2005 Penn State Interfraternity/Panhellenic Council Dance Marathon (Thon) to view the 48-hour philanthropic event online.

From the launch of the 33rd annual Thon at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb 18, to the final moments at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, telecommunications students from Penn State�s College of Communications will be operating multiple cameras inside Rec Hall to provide continuous footage which will be streamed live at http://www.thon.org on the Web, and it�s largely thanks to the work of six students in Communications 487, Telecommunications Management, with instructor Kerrie Carfagno."

In the wake of priest sex abuse scandal, Massachusetts legislators pushed bills on Wednesday that would repeal statute of limitations on felonies and raise the cap on suing charitable organizations, making it easier for victims of sexual abuse to bring charges against alleged offenders.

Three bills were introduced, which aim to repeal the statutes of limitations that have prevented many sex offenders from facing charges and have made it difficult for victims to find counsel.

Legislators stressed the bipartisan nature of the proposed legislation on Wednesday. "

PBS Chief Steps Down: "PBS chief Pat Mitchell, under fire for spending public money on a cartoon show that featured 2 lesbian couples from Vermont, will step down when her contract expires in June 2006.
Mitchell, the nonprofit network's 5th President and Chief Executive Officer, had faced significant fundraising challenges. She drew recent criticism from both liberals and conservatives for 'Postcards From Buster,' in which the title character, an animated bunny named Buster, traveled to Vermont, which recognizes same-sex civil unions"

Age-discrimination statutes are complex, but following these tips provided by two employment lawyers can help nonprofit employers stay on the right side of the law.

Pay attention to words. Age should never be referred to -- even indirectly -- during the interview process.

'Not only is it inappropriate to ask someone their age, but you also need to stay away from age-related buzzwords,' says Robert S. Turk, a lawyer in Miami. ''New ideas,' 'new blood,' 'young people with more energy' -- these are all buzzwords that could be used as evidence of a climate of age discrimination. "

York Dispatch Online - LOCAL NEWS: "Big student philanthropy ready to dance againPenn State event rated biggest student-run effort in the worldBy KATHY STEVENS The York DispatchPutting down the drink was the hardest thing for Tom Iwancio.But the move to give up his 60-ounce-a-day habit was a requirement.The caffeine in Mountain Dew would hinder the 19-year-old Penn State York student's performance this weekend at THON, the 33rd Annual IFC Panhellenic Dance Marathon at University Park in State College, Pa.Iwancio drank his last 20-ounce Dew a few weeks ago in preparation for the event in which hundreds of dancers converge on a dance floor for 48 hours."

The casualty list from the stock market funk is long and growing. The bear market has transformed CEOs from celebrities forging the New Economy to malefactors of wealth. The popular idea of early retirement funded by a windfall of double-digit stock market gains has gone the way of the 35-hour workweek. The political movement to privatize Social Security has collapsed as stock values have cascaded lower for nearly three years. The fashionable notion that federal surpluses s"

Latinos in Silicon Valley donate more of their time -- and as large a proportion of their income -- in charitable ways than others in the community, according to a report released Wednesday by two community foundations, but much of that giving is done informally, rather than through the usual philanthropic channels.
'People need to feel a personal connection"

Americans for the Arts and Arts & Business Council to Merge Operations: "Americans for the Arts and Arts & Business Council to Merge Operations
Thursday February 17, 10:00 am ET
Combined Organization Will Work to Advance Support for the Arts in the Private Sector
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans for the Arts and Arts & Business Council Inc. announced today that the two organizations will merge their operations, creating the largest-ever advocacy group for the arts in America. The merging of Arts & Business Council Inc. with Americans for the Arts will allow the organization to increase its efforts to secure increased funding for the arts from the private sector. Americans for the Arts, based in Washington, DC, is the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America and has led national public-sector advocacy efforts for many years. Arts & Business Council Inc., headquartered in New York City, is the oldest arts and business partnership association in the world, devoted to stimulating partnerships between the arts and business that benefit both sectors and the communities they serve."

Examiner: "Charity sector regulations proposed
By Paul O�Brien
REGULATION of the charity sector moved a small step closer yesterday with the publication of two consultation papers recommending legislative reform.

The papers, prepared by the independent Law Reform Commission, deal with trust law and charitable trust law, and recommend tightening the legislation surrounding trustees.

A trust is usually created by a person transferring land or money in a deed to benefit other persons.

A trustee holds the land or money to administer it for the beneficiaries. "

Talking to David Kuo yesterday reminded me of the heartfelt appeal and radical character of President Bush's original faith-based initiative. It wasn't an agenda to promote faith. It was an agenda to help the poor.
That is what attracted Kuo to join the White House office charged with leading the initiative when it was created four years ago. And that is driving Kuo to speak out now against what he sees as a governmental commitment largely unfulfilled, 'a whisper of what was promised.'"

CBS 5: Local Wire: "THURSDAY MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP
02/17/05 4:45 PST
The San Jose Sharks will donate as much as $700,000 less to area charities this year and layoffs are a possibility because of the cancellation of the National Hockey League season, Sharks CEO Greg Jamison reports.
At a Wednesday afternoon news conference, Jamison said Wednesday was a 'disappointing day'' but the Sharks ownership group, which Jamison leads, supports NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's decision to cancel the season because of the ongoing labor dispute with the players' union. "

Taiwanese TV stars and children who are being helped by the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families join together for a group photo in Taipei yesterday. The stars donated some personal items for auction on eBay to raise money for the charitable organization.(KEYE CHANG, TAIWAN NEWS)
With a little help from A-bian, Ma Ying-jeou and Chinatrust scion Jeffrey Koo Jr., Ebay yesterday kicked off another star-studded charity auction that would benefit the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families.
'We are more than happy to launch this charity campaign for the Taiwan Fund, one of the local welfare organizations that is in dire need of financial assistance,' Ebay Country Manager James Fang announced at yesterday's media gathering.
'Businesses, I think, should also never lose sight of the importance of giving something back to society.'
The charity auction, which officially started yesterday, will run for 10 days. Items on the auction block included an A-bian doll that was autographed by President Chen Shui-bian himself, a pair of Nike jogging shoes from Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou, a Kamuipro golf club from Jeffrey Koo Jr., a limited-edition only Ikepod wristwatch from Minsheng Pao Publisher Wang An-chia, and a Giant MeMe2 city bike from Chunghwa Telecom to name "

It took just one day last fall for public and Catholic school students in Peel Region's 347 schools to raise $1.1 million for the Terry Fox Foundation.It's a dramatic example of the kind of big money kids are raising these days as charity becomes a growing part of the mainstream curriculum in Ontario schools, where citizenship and character education are increasingly being emphasized"

Opinion: The Nonprofit Innovation Alliance hopes no-cost cross-licensing agreements among business process patent holders will cut out the lawyers. But there's one key holdout. It isn't hard to dislike the business method patent. Unless, of course, you own one. Fights between tech companies, between patent holders and suddenly successful startups, and between competitors or former partners are nothing new. And the protection of intellectual property is the bread and butter of any tech law practice. But business method patents take things to a new level. Perhaps the best-known example is Amazon's suit against rival BarnesandNoble.com over use of 'one-click' purchasing. That case, filed in 1999, was seen as both innovative (for patent holders), a disaster (for those who value the sharing of ideas) or just plain odd (for consumers and the general public). ADVERTISEMENT "

: "Philanthropic teens
Community The Teen Grant Making Initiative, a program of the Associated Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, educates teens about philanthropy and grantmaking. Sixteen teens participated in the inaugural program, which raised more than $10,000 through the 2004 Teen Campaign. Baltimore area teens contributed $18 each. The grants were allocated at a special reception. Grant recipients include: Special Connections, a program through the Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister League that matched teen volunteers with disabled adults;

Timeshare Sellers and their Telemarketer Will Pay More than $500,000 for Violating the Rule

Two timeshare sellers and their telemarketer will pay more than $500,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they violated the Do Not Call Rule by calling thousands of consumers who placed their phone numbers on the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry. The Registry currently contains more than 85 million numbers. Under the settlement, the timeshare sellers are barred from violating the Do Not Call Registry in the future. Two individuals who own the telemarketing company that made calls for the timeshare sellers are banned from owning or controlling any telemarketing operation in the future.

“You cannot hire subcontractors to break the law for you and then walk away free of consequences,” said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. “Millions of Americans have indicated that they do not want telemarketers calling them, and we intend to enforce the law that gives them the right to make that choice.”

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Political Fundraiser Admits Embezzling (washingtonpost.com): "Political Fundraiser Admits EmbezzlingBy Henri E. CauvinWashington Post Staff WriterWednesday, February 16, 2005; Page B02 A fundraiser for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee admitted yesterday to embezzling more than $360,000 donated to the organization. Roger Chiang, 33, who was the outreach director for the committee, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of mail fraud and faces as much as 20 years in prison.

From August to early October, Chiang pocketed $360,475 in checks made out to the committee, according to prosecutors. The checks were then deposited by mail into an account he had set up at an Internet bank in the name of a nonexistent company "

FOX 12 OREGON New Search Engine Helps Consumers Find Expert Financial Advisors: "BRYN MAWR, Pa., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Looking for help with your retirement plans? Would you like professional advice that can help maximize your potential investments and minimize your tax liabilities? Having a professional financial advisor is a key element to achieving lifelong financial security. The American College, the nation's leading financial services educator, has created a new user friendly online search engine to help consumers find educated, qualified and experienced financial advisors.Consumers can go to The College's homepage at http://www.theamericancollege.edu/ and click on Find a Financial/Insurance Advisor Here! This section offers interested individuals the ability to locate an advisor in their area using zip code or area code information. A list is displayed with professionals' names, credentials and contact information. The website also includes descriptions of specific credentials so consumers can select a professional with the knowledge and experience needed to address their unique individual financial situation."

More than 80 cents of every $1 in contributions to the Missouri Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation ended up in the pockets of its professional fund-raiser in Texas, according to a story by Post-Dispatch reporter Bill Smith. And less than 1 percent of what was left actually was used for the foundation's stated purpose of assisting Missouri youths and the 'less fortunate' and educating Missouri police officers. Established in 1996, the group's 400 members include some of the state's top law enforcement officials.

By SHARON THEIMER, Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON - A big Republican donor goes to his governor and senator, saying he was told by President Bush (news - web sites)'s chief fund-raiser he'd be getting a plum ambassadorial appointment but it wasn't delivered. The senator takes his case right to the top of the White House.

Corporate Executives, World Decision Makers Tackle Hot-Button Policy Issues at Milken Institute Global Conference: "Corporate Executives, World Decision Makers Tackle Hot-Button Policy Issues at Milken Institute Global Conference
Wednesday February 16, 8:40 am ET
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 16, 2005--In what has become one of the largest and most acclaimed events of its kind, the annual Milken Institute Global Conference will host more than 2,000 senior decision makers from industry, government, financial institutions, philanthropy and the press in a search for answers to the world's most pressing challenges.
The Global Conference, dubbed 'Davos West' by one observer, is the site of passionate and sometimes contentious debate on issues like health care, education, job creation, finance, energy and more -- as well as 'big picture' issues such as the future of medicine. "

Breaux says commission faces taxing challenge: "WASHINGTON -- President Bush's new tax overhaul commission will begin a daunting task today, complying with all of the guidelines the president has spelled out, the panel's vice chairman said Tuesday.
Former Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana said the nine-member commission will consider a wide variety of ideas for revamping what everyone agrees is an overly complicated federal tax code. "

Four years ago, while visiting a small urban charity, President Bush launched the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. He called it 'one of the most important initiatives' of his administration.

It was hard evidence of the 'compassionate conservatism' that Texas Governor George Bush embraced in his first major policy speech of the Presidential campaign, 'It is not enough for conservatives like me to praise [compassionate] efforts. It is not enough to call for volunteerism. Without more support and resources, both private and public, we are asking them to make bricks without straw.' That day a conservative Texas governor promised more than $8 billion during his first year in office to help social service organizations better serve 'the least, the last, and the lost.' More than $6 billion was to go for new tax incentives that would generate billions more in private charitable giving.

A national body which represents England�s voluntary sector has today called on charities to build on the �tremendous� level of compassion displayed in the wake of the Asian tsunami disaster.

A new poll published today by the NCVO � the National Council for Voluntary Organisations � has revealed an unprecedented number of young people donated to the Tsunami Appeal with 86% of 18 to 24-year-olds handing over money to the fund."

Many non-Hispanics don't grasp the concept of La Familia, the deep bonds of family, community and culture that bind Latinos together. Many Latinos don't identify with traditional forms of philanthropy or see their own giving in that context.
Bridging these gaps of perception is important if Silicon Valley's non-profit community is to broaden its reach in the region's Hispanic community. The donors, dollars and volunteers are there; the challenge is to make long-overlooked connections.
``Familia, F� y Communidad,'' the first extensive study of charitable activities among Hispanics, recommends realistic ways to do this. Foundations and non-profits must recruit more Latino executives and neighborhood leaders to their boards of directors. Latino professionals, in turn, must combine their charitable efforts and make their talents known. The commitment must be mutual."

Hillsborough: Urban League's finances teeter: "Urban League's finances teeterThe Tampa affiliate talks of fiscal reforms after the national group puts it on probation and the United Way breaks ties.By JEFF TESTERMAN, Times Staff WriterPublished February 16, 2005TAMPA - For 83 years, the Tampa-Hillsborough Urban League has worked to help the county's neediest residents, from fighting for a hospital for black people to providing job training and housing relocation help."

``In my opinion, some are not paying their fair share,'' City Councilor Steven Murphy said, referring to the in-lieu-of-tax payments made by some nonprofits. ``They are not what they should or could be.''

Telstra throws consultants a lifeline - Business - www.smh.com.au:
snip snip
"The big difference this year over last year is that as stakeholders look to manage long-term relationships with corporates, they've increased the amount of emphasis they put on what customers think of a corporation and they've increased the amount of emphasis they're placing on what they're doing about corporate social responsibility,' says Asia Pacific president Alan VanderMolen.
'Our theory is that stakeholders across the region are looking much more towards the softer sides of the business. We are seeing a broadening out of expectations and Australia is proving one of two markets or regions that really drive CSR on a worldwide basis. The other is Scandinavia.'
VanderMolen, however, says there is still huge confusion about the difference between CSR and corporate altruism or philanthropy.
'Companies here still confuse them a lot,' he says. 'My take is: companies spend a lot of money not very wisely in the CSR realm because they confuse philanthropy and CSR."

San Diego Area Financial Firm Delivers on New Trend: Life Coaching for the Affluent: "San Diego Area Financial Firm Delivers on New Trend: Life Coaching for the Affluent
Tuesday February 15, 4:12 pm ET
New Life and Wealth Advisory Practice Goes Beyond Finances to the Bigger Picture
LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- La Jolla-based Donnelly Wealth Advisors Inc., announced today the launch of a new life- centered financial advisory practice that addresses the dramatic shift in the way today's affluent families view their wealth. The new life- and wealth- focused model is among the first prototype franchises to become part of the SEI Wealth Network(R). The SEI Wealth Network focuses on helping clients attain their life goals through holistic and financial guidance. Utilizing a host of resources and best-of-breed experts, the SEI Wealth Network enables advisors such as Donnelly help affluent clients nationwide use their wealth to realize their true life goals and help solve life problems."

When the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) knew it was time to provide its over 26,000 members in more than 170 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and East Asia the latest web technology and enhanced online tools, the most respected professional group in the nonprofit sector turned to Kintera(R) Inc. (Nasdaq:KNTA). "

In 1966, a small group led by Southern Methodist University women's dean Emmie Baine established the first Women's Symposium with the goal of educating women for political and social leadership. Nearly four decades later, organizers are examining the past and looking to the future. This year's theme is 'Are We There Yet? 40 Years on the Road to Full Participation.' The three-day event, held in collaboration with the Dallas Women's Foundation, starts Monday"

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Valentine's Day lifts charities: "Valentine's Day lifts charities
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-02-16 00:35
HONG KONG: A group of children with angel's wings on their backs sold chocolate flowers at Tsim Sha Tsui Star port yesterday, for HK$35 (US$4) apiece.
With a chocolate and a winged-heart embedded in a silk flower, these specially designed chocolate flowers attracted many pedestrians.
'Please buy a chocolate flower for your lover for this Valentine's Day. You know they are made by seven mentally retarded persons,' a girl said to buyers.
Wun Yangqiao, leader of the Saint Jame's Settlement, said that it is a tradition of the group to sell presents on Valentine's Day.
Last year, they succeeded in raising HK$90,000 (US$12,360) by selling chocolate. With the money, they established a pottery class and a dancing class for 800 members of the group. "

Political stories from The Roanoke Times - Senate group opts to ban investing on death: "Senate group opts to ban investing on death
General Assembly Notebook
The Roanoke Times
A Senate committee endorsed legislation Monday that prohibits investment pools from profiting off the deaths of strangers.
House Bill 2766, sponsored by Republican Del. Morgan Griffith of Salem, seeks to stop the practice known as 'life insurance- and life annuities-based certificates,' under which investors agree to pay the life insurance premiums on consenting adults.
When the adult dies, a portion of the insurance payout often goes to a charity or nonprofit group specified by the deceased, but only after investors take their share first. "

DenverPost.com - LOCAL NEWS: "Article Published: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 Standoff in audit of CU groupLegislators are expected today to discuss the nonprofit fundraiser's withholding of certain data. The foundation says it won't release personnel or donor information.By Jim Hughes Denver Post Staff WriterThe University of Colorado Foundation and state auditors have reached an impasse over the state's access to the group's financial records. The stalemate comes in the midst of an audit of the University of Colorado spurred by concerns over athletic department spending last fall"

MALVERN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 2005--The Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program marked a milestone event in early February, 2005, when its grants to public charities nationwide since its 1997 inception surpassed one-half billion dollars.

Mirroring Americans' growing participation in donor-advised funds, the Endowment Program's 2004 contribution and grant activity doubled compared to 2003, and the $500 million granting landmark represents financial support provided to over 15,500 U.S.-based charitable organizations. The majority of the granted funds advanced the work of educational institutions and human services organizations. Charities with missions related to health, religion, and environmental causes also received significant support. "

Bush begins long march to tax overhaulsnip snip"Bush has called for simplifying the tax code and making it more 'fair.' He's also promised that some of the code's most sacred cows -- mortgage interest deduction and charitable giving -- will remain sacrosanct. "

Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMZN) announced today a nationwide search to discover and reward nonprofit organizations whose innovative approaches and breakthrough solutions most effectively improve their communities or the world at large.
Beginning today, Amazon.com is accepting applications for the Amazon.com Nonprofit Innovation Award from nonprofit organizations across the U.S. at www.amazon.com/nonprofitinnovation.
The Center for Social Innovation at Stanford's Graduate School of Business will partner with Amazon.com to manage this award. The recipient of the Amazon.com Nonprofit Innovation Award will receive a significant grant from Amazon.com, with the grant amount being determined by Amazon.com customers.
'Change starts with ideas,' said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. 'We are proud to honor those who channel their passion for innovation toward helping others.' "

A former White House official said yesterday that President Bush has failed to deliver on his promise to help religious groups serve the poor, the homeless and drug addicts because the administration lacks a genuine commitment to its "compassionate conservative" agenda.

David Kuo, who was deputy director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives for much of Bush's first term, said in published remarks that the White House reaped political benefits from the president's promise to help religious organizations win taxpayer funding to care for "the least, the last and the lost" in the United States. But he wrote: "There was minimal senior White House commitment to the faith-based agenda."

Tri-City Herald: Local: "Legislators consider bills to halt 'gift clubs' This story was published Tuesday, February 15th, 2005By Chris Mulick, Herald Olympia bureau OLYMPIA -- The Legislature is seriously considering bills to tighten the state's pyramid scheme laws for the first time since similar proposals were shouted down by boisterous gift club enthusiasts who flooded hearing rooms in 2000. A bill that seeks to eliminate pathways for skirting violations of the state's Consumer Protection Act moved out of a Senate committee Monday, marking the first such action on the issue in five years. And an identical bill in the House also is likely to move, as resistance apparently has disappeared. "

Copyright � 2005 Newsquest (Herald & Times) Limited. All Rights Reserved
Sitemap :: Subscription :: Syndication :: Advertising :: About Us :: Terms of Use
PEOPLE in Scotland are giving more money and more time to charities, despite recent scandals, research has suggested.
The figures from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) were published yesterday to coincide with the opening of a voluntary sector fair in Glasgow. "

Board evaluations are the new way to keep directors from going stale. Are you ready for your close-up?

It�s no secret that more and more people are looking over directors� shoulders to see how they�re doing their job�securities analysts, stock exchanges, regulators, legislators, your directors� and officers� liability insurer, plaintiffs� attorneys, institutional shareholders, and, if you�re on a U.S. board, our old friend Eliot Spitzer. And now there�s another person poised to grade your work: the director sitting next to you in board meetings."

The record-breaking Asian tsunami appeal is to close at the end of the month after raising more than �250m, the group coordinating donations said today.
The Indian Ocean earthquake appeal - the biggest ever fundraising campaign in UK history - will close on February 26, said the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an umbrella group for a dozen British charities. It predicts the total amount raised will exceed �300m. British charities have separately raised another �60m-70m."

HoustonChronicle.com - Oil heiress's gift to art museum may top $400 million, set record: "In recent history, this would be one of the biggest, if not the biggest cash gifts to an art museum,' said Mimi Gaudieri, executive director, Association of Art Museum Directors in New York. 'This money will help make Houston one of the most important museums in terms of programming and serving the public.'
Law's giving would rank as No. 1 in non-art donations to museums on a list compiled by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, which tracks charitable donations of $50 million and more."

Monday, February 14, 2005

VS FORUM Info No.10, February 2005: "No.10 February 2005Liability Insurance in the Voluntary SectorQuick tips on insuranceDo volunteer & employee vehicles get used to transport clients? If your insurer considers this �carrying passengers for hire�, find out why. An Alberta group recently determined that insurance companies were classifying some incidental passenger transport activities as if they were carrying passengers for hire, sometimes resulting in extra charges. If this is happening in your jurisdiction, find out why. See the "

Technology industry executive Jim Offerdahl joined Convio from Austin-based Traq-wireless Inc., a provider of mobile technology management software and services. Offerdahl was president and CEO of that company. "

Americans Directly Affected by September 11 to Benefit From $20 Million in Special Funding for Community-Based Non Profits
Monday February 14, 11:25 am ET
65 Agencies in Seven States Receive Grants From the Liberty Disaster Relief Fund
NEW YORK, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross September 11 Recovery Program (SRP) today announced that as part of its mission to provide longer-term support services to people affected by the events of September 11, community-based agencies in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland and Virginia will receive $20 million in recovery grants from the Liberty Disaster Relief Fund."

Data Mining in Action By Allison D: "For the summer 2004 issue of NEDRA News, I contributed a review of Peter Wylie�s recent book entitled Data Mining for Fund Raisers: How to Use Simple Statistics to Find Gold in Your Donor Database � Even if You Hate Statistics [Washington, D.C.: Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), 2004, 90 pages]. I concluded the piece by stating: �Using the basic techniques described in this book, development professionals will have a better understanding of how to approach the data within a donor database; how to use statistics to draw out new information from that data; and how to make that information meaningful.� For this issue, I decided to test that conclusion. Using SPSS statistical software, a sample from our alumni database, and the techniques outlined in Wylie�s book, I set out to create a sample scoring system for predicting giving behavior. My objective in writing this article is to expand upon my initial conclusion and share some of the key highlights of my experience with Wylie�s methods. "

Texas GOP Trying to Gut Ethics Inquiry, Critics Say: "THE NATIONTexas GOP Trying to Gut Ethics Inquiry, Critics SayA bill introduced in the Legislature is called a blatant bid to protect Republicans, including Rep. Tom DeLay, from a fundraising probe.By Scott Gold, Times Staff WriterHOUSTON � Late last year, Republican leaders in Washington caused a stir, even among some allies, when they tried to protect House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas by revoking an ethics rule that would force him to step down if indicted."

Four years ago, while visiting a small urban charity, President Bush launched the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. He called it 'one of the most important initiatives' of his administration. "

Doris Reeves-Lipscomb thinks nonprofit organizations in the Tampa Bay area need support. More precisely, tech support.
Yet when she began what was then a one-woman mission to assess agencies' use of technology two years ago, the reaction was not overwhelming"

Business attire can include three piece suits, coveralls, scrubs, uniforms, or costumes of any kind. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams as well as worst suit or costume, most impressive crash and best excuse for slow time. All racers will receive a free event t-shirt, race bib, soft-sided briefcase stuffed with promotional goodies and complimentary racers' lunch. All proceeds raised for the TJX Briefcase Race will benefit the Faulkner Breast Centre Research Fund. Teams of five racers may register for $750 and individuals are welcome to take part for $150 each. Participation is limited to the first 50 teams that register and individual registrants will be assigned to a team. The registration deadline is February 18."

The $7,362,410 raised yesterday at the annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon didn't break the event's record but it did exceed the expectations executive-director John Stettner held going into this year's fundraiser for B.C. children with special needs."

Shipkoski steered ACS through merger - 2005-02-14 - Atlanta Business Chronicle: "Although the Association of Fundraising Professionals semiannual survey notes nearly 90 percent of respondents are optimistic about their ability to raise money in today's economy, concerns about social security, the recent tsunamis, the elections and the war in Iraq have all factored into charitable giving. "

This site requires registration to view.The Globe and Mail: Professional fundraisers in demand:snip snip "With 80,000 Canadian charities competing for staff and donations, turnover is constant and fundraisers no longer have to settle for 'starvation wages,' said Susan Mullin, president of the Toronto chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which has listed 32 new positions on its website in the past five weeks alone. CharityVillage.com, which also serves the non-profit sector, 'has between 350 and 400 ads on the site on any given day, and 20 per cent of those would be fundraising specific,' said Maggie Leithead, president and chief operating officer."

The Australian: Charity didn't get ticket cash [February 15, 2005]: "Charity didn't get ticket cash
Michelle Wiese Bockmann
February 15, 2005
THE Australian Red Cross has declined to reveal how much Sydney PR man Max Markson will pocket from next month's charity event he is organising, with Crown Prince Frederick and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark attending as guests of honour.

The refusal comes after the Children's Cancer Institute Australia conceded none of the money paid for the 2500 dinner tickets sold during Cherie Blair's five-city, all-expenses-paid tour last week reached the charity.
The $250,000 the charity expected to receive from the tour represented part of the money raised from auctions, raffles and pledges.
Mr Markson, who organised and underwrote the tour by the British Prime Minister's wife to raise money for the institute, said his company, Markson Sparks, was paid $100,000 plus unspecified wages, while Mrs Blair received a reported $250,000 fee. "

How willing are you to address donor fatigue, fundraising's concern du jour? It seems like such an idiosyncratic term, but it is a very real problem. How many mass mailings can people get - and throw away - before fundraisers get the message? How many walks, runs, or bike rides can they go on, how many dinners can they attend, on a given day? How many ribbons can they wear on one coat? People are tired of the same old sell.

Organizations that rely on fundraising need innovation that informs, differentiates, and effectively builds constituency. It isn't just about separating people from their cash. Fundraising should be an identity project, but this gets forgotten when snatch and run looks so appealing.

The nonprofit sector is built on a foundation of caring. Yet while our reputation for caring for others is strong, our track record for caring for our own employees is not as impressive. In fact, only about half of nonprofit employees have access to an employee benefits plans, and less than half have access to an employer pension plan. Several recent studies alerted the sector by attaching real numbers and facts to the situation. For instance, many dedicated, long-time, typically female nonprofit employees may be at risk for poverty in their retirement years."

DenverPost.com - BUSINESS: "Giving to charity drives energy firms' CEOsBy Steve Raabe Denver Post Staff WriterThe call of charity has been as strong as the drive to do business for several displaced chief executives whose Colorado energy firms were acquired during the past year. "

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA -- A rented donor list used by several charities mistakenly inserted recipients' religious affiliations into their mailing addresses on envelopes, offending many of the recipients."

Bloomberg.com: U.S.: "U.S. Commerce Chamber Spent Record $53 Mln on Lobbying in 2004 Feb. 14 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $53 million to lobby Congress and the White House in 2004, a record for any organization, to push an agenda that includes making permanent the tax cuts that were enacted since 2001 and limiting class-action lawsuits. The Washington-based trade group and its affiliated Institute for Legal Reform spent 54 percent more on lobbying last year than the $34.6 million it spent in 2003, according to disclosure records compiled by PoliticalMoneyLine, a nonpartisan group that tracks money in politics. The chamber broke its own record set in 2002, when it spent $41.6 million. "

Among Americans with $10 million or more, more than a third — 37 percent — don't have a will, trust or health-care proxy, according to a new national survey of affluent adults by PNC Advisors, an investment firm catering to the high-net-worth crowd.

By Holly Hall
When Darla Moore gave the University of South Carolina $25-million in 1998 and then pledged another $45-million last year, she became one of a small group of donors who are smashing stereotypes about female philanthropists.
Fund raisers have long complained"

Daily News Tribune - Local News Coverage: "Budding philanthropists pushing for funds
By Christopher Moore / Tribune Staff Writer
Monday, February 14, 2005
WALTHAM -- Students learning how to run a philanthropy are making a final fund-raising push before a March 1 deadline to collect $7,000 to attend a conference in Long Beach, Calif.

Through a $15,000 grant from the Massachusetts Service Alliance, distributed by the Waltham Partnership for Youth, students in the Waltham Action Research Project have developed a request for proposals they plan to release today. Their project entails taking about half of their grant money, $7,000, and distributing it as they see fit to people or groups that have "

A need and a seed - 2005-02-14 - Charlotte Business Journal: "A need and a seed
Innovative program seeks to build links between area's entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations for lasting impact
Jay Pfeifer
Small businesses often contribute to charitable causes, yet there's a common perception that their size limits the impact of such philanthropy. That perception is the target of the SEED Charlotte program, which aims to show how a group of small businesses can unite to make a difference in the community. "

Leaders of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy think fellow progressives could learn a few things from their counterparts on the right. If the goal is to shape public policy, then the lesson from the right is to put your money where your values are.
That is what conservative philanthropies have been doing with great success, according to recent studies by the organization. Though accounting for only a fraction of the $30 billion in foundation grants dispensed annually, the right makes strategic contributions to nonprofits that share a conservative philosophy."